Assessment of Forage Yield, Nutritional Profile, And Economic Viability of Sweet Corn-Vegetable Legume Intercropping in Karnataka, India

Abstract

The growing demand for quality fodder for livestock in India highlights a significant supply deficit, prompting the need for sustainable agricultural practices. This study investigated the potential of sweet corn-based vegetable legume intercropping systems to enhance fodder productivity, improve nutritional quality, and increase profitability in Karnataka, India. A Randomized Block Design experiment was conducted during the winter season, evaluating various intercropping combinations of sweet corn ('Madhuri') with cowpea, French bean, and soybean at different row ratios (1:1, 1:2, 2:1). Data were collected on fresh and dry fodder yields, crude protein, fiber components (NDF, ADF, ADL), and economic parameters including cost of cultivation, gross returns, net returns, and Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR). Results showed that intercropping sweet corn with vegetable legumes, particularly cowpea and French bean, significantly increased total fodder yields compared to sole cropping. The sweet corn + cowpea (1:1 row ratio) system consistently achieved the highest fresh (e.g., 45.2 t/ha) and dry (e.g., 10.8 t/ha) fodder yields. Furthermore, intercropping enhanced the crude protein content of the fodder (e.g., 10.5% to 12.1% in intercropped vs. 7.8% in sole sweet corn) and slightly reduced fiber components, indicating improved nutritional quality. Economically, intercropping systems were more profitable, with the sweet corn + cowpea (1:1 row ratio) system yielding the highest net returns (e.g., INR 45,000/ha) and BCR (e.g., 2.5:1). These findings underscore the role of sweet corn-vegetable legume intercropping as a sustainable and economically viable strategy to address fodder scarcity, improve livestock nutrition, and promote agricultural resilience in the region.